Hello there!

zzap64! · Testing The Water Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 2

Hello all,

Just like to introduce myself as the newest member at the moment. Hope you are all well. Had a simple question really regarding applications for emigration. It is a bit embarrasing but i'll have a go. Embarassed

A few years ago I was breathalized and was just over the legal limit for alcohol whilst being in a car. I was subsequently banned for a year and now have a criminal record (something I have never had before! ).
(The U.K. has recently criminalised drink driving etc). I was just wondering if you have any thoughts on this - does it prevent you from emigrating completely to NZ? I know the U.S. is very funny about anything like that and it is even difficult to go over there just for a holiday.
I am an IT Project Specialist for a large company in England and was interested in finding out whether it would be worth pursuing this or to just reside myself to the fact that I am going to have to stay here for the rest of my days :(
I sometimes feel like a terrorist because of one mistake I have made in my life. I think about it all the time and I am very ashamed of it. But hey...such is life....we all make mistakes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Zzap!

karltsmith · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:21 am Post subject:

Hi Zzap,

I think you may be OK as long as you meet the following criteria!

Unless a special direction under section 7 of the Immigration Act is given,a person will be refused residence in New Zealand on character grounds if:

They have ever been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for five years or more;
They have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months or more during the preceding 10 years;
They have ever been deported from New Zealand or any other country;
There is reason to believe they may be associated with criminal groups,or may constitute a danger to New Zealand.

It best to check with NZIS London or NZ though before you apply!

Regards

Karl

Gerry · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 4:48 am Post subject:

Ignore my previous rant - I must learn to read properly

Arlevien · I Like It Here Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 56

Hmm.. I am not pretty sure but during college.. George W. Bush ( pres. USA ) had also a DUI offence...

Gerry · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:30 am Post subject:

I thought the president of the US was called Cheney.............

Arlevien · I Like It Here Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 56

Yes.. if you read too much US politics Laughing

Jenkins · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:35 am Post subject:

In the Character portion of the Expression of Interest, one of the things asked there is about driving/alcohol.

Have you been convicted of an offence (including a traffic offence), committed within the last five years, involving dangerous driving, driving having consumed excessive alcohol (including drunk driving and driving with a blood or breath alcohol content in excess of a specified limit) or driving having consumed drugs?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you must provide a full explanation about the surrounding circumstances. If your Expression of Interest is selected from the Pool, you may be asked to provide a
police certificate or other relevant information.

zzap64! · Testing The Water Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks very much for your help so far guys. It's not such a bleak future after all! Oh and it was criminalised before I was charged.

Jamie Smith · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:05 pm Post subject:

Assuming no accident/injury or repeat behaviour or >1 conviction, DUI is minor offence and unlikley to affect your case, but you do need to tell them about it. Better you explain up front than have NZIS find out as result of verification in which case they might think you're hiding other things....